Recently I saw the 2019 film The Wandering Earth, yes, I actually watched a film for fun, and not just to review it! Well, I loved that film, so thought I would check out The Wandering Earth 2, which is actually a prequel to the first film. The first film, set in the future tells the story of a group of astronauts and rescue workers who are guiding the Earth away from an expanding Sun, using 10,000 "earth engines", while also attempting to prevent a collision with Jupiter. The Wandering Earth 2 tells the story of how the Earth got to that point, and all the disasters that humanity had to overcome before they could even begin the journey. I will say this now, I would probably advise you to watch The Wandering Earth 2 before watching The Wandering Earth, and although it does "spoil" a few covert plot points, I think it is preferable to watch in that order.
In the face of the Sun's inevitable expansion into a red giant, posing a threat to Earth's survival within a century, the United Nations undergoes a transformation, rebranding as the United Earth Government (UEG). Determined to save humanity, the UEG initiates the ambitious Moving Mountain Project. This program aims to construct a multitude of massive ion engines capable of propelling Earth out of the Solar System towards a new habitable star system. Simultaneously, the UEG takes the controversial step of shutting down and outlawing the Digital Life Project (DLP), a radical faction advocating for digital immortality through mind uploading technology, basically what Elon Musk is planning. Despite public scepticism, increasingly violent protests ensue as the UEG stands firm on its decision.
The initial phase of the Moving Mountain Project focuses on building and testing an ion engine on the Moon. However, in 2044, a series of terrorist attacks orchestrated by well-armed supporters of the banned DLP target UEG facilities. These extremists hack into the space elevator system, unleashing a coordinated drone assault and infiltrating the elevator vehicles. Their ultimate goal is to destroy the Ark Space Station, a vital supply hub for the lunar operation. Although UEG trainee astronaut Liu Peiqiang (Wu Jing) and his comrades manage to thwart the hijackers, they are too late to prevent the detonation of one elevator. This destructive act, facilitated by counterfeit passes, causes irreparable damage to the top of the space elevator, leading to the catastrophic crash of both the elevator and the Ark Space Station back to Earth.
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